In response to your first question, you need to realize that all people resist change. Organizations such as the Canadian Forces and the RCMP are steeped in tradition. It's very difficult to implement new types of programs, particularly if it goes against a belief system. The belief used to be that only weak people would develop PTSD. I deal with torture victims, immigrants, etc., and I can say that there's no person on earth for whom we cannot devise a situation that will cause him to develop PTSD.
The issue of change is difficult in the military. One of the things that's necessary—and I have to congratulate the military on the job they're doing here—is education. Education is occurring at the basic training level, at leadership levels, and at the higher levels. At this point, I believe they're embracing it. Certainly General Hillier's recent CANFORGEN would support this. He's actually pushing it.
When I came out with my study, there was huge denial going on, and it was very difficult to present the findings, let alone change anyone's mind. So I think the military has come a long way, but anytime you attempt to change a belief system and an organization steeped in tradition, it becomes very difficult. It's all about education. People are quick to judge. It takes a lot of energy to understand and become educated about something.
In regard to Reverend Studd's comments, I agree with him. In regard to a PTSD, like alcohol, it does not just affect the individual, it affects the supervisors, the co-workers, and the family members. We're talking about relationship issues. There are just not enough psychiatrists and psychologists around. I would certainly embrace any other profession with credible credentials that can do this type of work. Way back in 1993 I recommended that we have multidisciplinary teams approach this disorder and the evolution of it.
I would certainly agree with what he had to say. On the civilian side, we typically work with multidisciplinary teams. That is the best way to address this problem, which is affecting both the professional and personal sides of the individual.